Rumor - Completed

Disney's Wilderness Lodge to add DVC Rooms and Other Amenities

Time Frame

July 17, 2017

Rumor Status

Completed

Specific Details

Disney's Wilderness Lodge is undergoing significant changes that are expected to be completed in phases beginning in 2017.

A large number of existing hotel rooms at Disney's Wilderness Lodge will be converted into Disney Vacation Club (DVC) units. THere will be a total of 184 studios, one and two-bedroom Villas, and Grand Villas as part of the project.

The resort officially opens July 17, 2017 with DVC sales opening March 8th to existing DVC owners. Sales will open April 5th, 2017 to the general public.

In addition to the existing rooms, new construction of 26 Lakeside Cabins, also known as"lodging buildings" will be added that face Bay Lake. These new cabins will be known as "Cascade Cabins".

In October of 2016, The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge were officially renamed to the Boulder Ridge Villas. As part of this evolution, the railroad theming around Wilderness Lodge was further emphasized.

The storyline and theme evolution is evident in the changes coming to The Hidden Springs Pool. The pool has been closed for refurbishment since October of 2015 and is expected to re-open in the Summer of 2017 as Boulder Ridge Cove. Boulder Ridge Cove promises to feature an expanded sun deck as well as a zero-depth-entry pool themed around an abandoned rock quarry.

A new decorative water tower will also be constructed nearby with the name, "Boulder Ridge Railway and Mining Co."

The expanded area will also include a brand new bar & grill called Geyser Point Bar & Grill as well as a new quick service restaurant, opening February 13, 2017.

Rumor Timeline

July 10, 2017: The Boulder Ridge Cove Pool is officially open and WDWMagic.com has posted photos.

June 29, 2017: Roaring Fork reopened from refurbishment.

March 2, 2017: The Disney Parks Blog officially announced that the newest member of the Disney Vacation Club, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Wilderness Lodge, will begin sales next week.

Current Disney Vacation Club members can purchase points beginning March 8th, with general sales opening April 5th.

The resort is still under construction with an official opening date set for July 17, 2017. The villas offer 184 homes inspired by the wilderness and include deluxe studios, one and two-bedroom Villas, and Grand Villas that sleep up to 12.

The new resort also includes 26 waterfront cabins. The cabins have two bedrooms and sleep up to eight guests.

March 1, 2017: DVCNews.com has posted details on the Copper Creek Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. Prices start at $176 per point and sales open April 5, 2017. Annual dues start at $7.33 per point.

February 13, 2017: DVCInfo.com posted photos of the new maps at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. The maps referred to the cabins as Cascade Cabins. Roaring Fork closed for refurbishment and Geyser Point Bar & Grill Officially opened.

February 1, 2017: OrlandoParksNews.com is reporting that the Geyser Point Bar & Grill is set to open on February 13th at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. The location features a bar and a quick service menu in a rustic setting.

November 23, 2016: The Disney Parks Blog shared new details and concept art on the upcoming changes to Disney's Wilderness Lodge. As part of this evolution, the railroad theming around Wilderness Lodge was further emphasized.

The storyline and theme evolution is evident in the changes coming to The Hidden Springs Pool. The pool has been closed for refurbishment since October of 2015 and is expected to re-open in the Summer of 2017 as Boulder Ridge Cove. Boulder Ridge Cove promises to feature an expanded sun deck as well as a zero-depth-entry pool themed around an abandoned rock quarry.

A new decorative water tower will also be constructed nearby with the name, "Boulder Ridge Railway and Mining Co."

The expanded area will also include a brand new bar & grill called Geyser Point Bar & Grill as well as a new quick service restaurant.

October 25, 2016: The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge were officially renamed to the Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge.

October 26, 2015: Disney's Wilderness Lodge Hidden Springs Leisure Pool and Teton Boat and Bike Rentals closed for refurbishment. They are not expected to re-open until 2017.

August 28, 2015: WDWMagic.com user danlb_2000 has reported that Disney has filed two different Notices of Commencement for the Wilderness Lodge DVC construction. The Notices are with DPR construction and have an expiration date of 8/31/2018.

July 9, 2015: WDWMagic.com user WDW1974 has reported that work on the Wilderness Lodge DVC will start in October and continue into 2017. The first component will be the Hidden Springs Pool at the Villas closing in late October along with the beach, boat rental marina and playground. It will be replaced with a larger pool, more deck space as well as a hot tub area for the new DVC additions.

May 16, 2015: WDWMagic.com user SomeInternetGuy has reported that Disney has filed paperwork with the Souther Florida Water Management District for the Wilderness Lodge DVC project. The project is expected to include 26 "lodging buildings" that will face Bay Lake. The plan also appears to include a pool refurbishment/upgrade and a new restaurant.

March 25, 2015: WDWMagic.com user danlb_2000 has reported that Disney has filed a Notice of Commencement for trailers to be brought on side at the Wilderness Lodge. The permit expires on December 17, 2017.

August 10, 2014: Episode 62 of the Unofficial Guide's Disney Dish podcast with Jim Hill include updates on several rumors. This included the update that the Wilderness Lodge will see many of its rooms converted to DVC.

July 17, 2014: WDWMagic.com user WDW1974 has reported that the next DVC expansion will utilize existing rooms at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. A small amount of additional construction is expected and the rooms should be converted by 2016/2017.